Sheik Farhi Erl Pitts, who made his riches building and furnishing skyscrapers in Dubai, has tabled a �75 million bid for the iconic West London venue, which is owned jointly by AEG Live and Eventim.

"I have great affection for the Hammersmith Apollo � or Odeon, as I prefer to call it," said Farhi Erl Pitts. "As a rock fan myself I have seen many great gigs there, including Kiss in 1976. But with the live music scene in the doldrums, I believe the Apollo's days in its current guise are numbered."

Talking about his plans to convert the Apollo into a giant furniture warehouse, Farhi Erl Pitts said: "This part of West London is currently undergoing massive redevelopment and regeneration, with many new houses and apartments being built. I feel there will be great future demand in Hammersmith and its environs for furniture of all shapes and sizes.